A Potter Secret

Sirius' Future

Harry walks softly toward an open door, Lupin's office, and peers in. Lupin stands over a battered suitcase, filling it with the last of his books. Without turning, he speaks. "Hello, Harry," Remus greets. Harry jumps. Lupin turns, smiles through haggard eyes. "Saw you coming." The Marauder's Map lies open on an otherwise bare desk. Harry nods, looks back to Lupin. Unable to disguise his shock at Lupin's appearance. "I've looked worse, believe me."

Harry eyes the open desk drawers the bare bookshelves. "You've been sacked," Harry realizes.

"Resigned, actually," Remus corrects.

"Resigned! But why!" Harry says.

"It seems that someone has let slip the nature of my condition."

"Snape," Harry states.

"Whoever. It was bound to get out. This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving. Parents will not want a, someone like me, teaching their children."

"But Dumbledore-" Harry says.

"Has already risked enough on my behalf. Besides, people like me, well let's just say I'm used to this by now. But before I go, tell me about your Patrons," Remus replies.

"Well. At first I thought it was a horse, or perhaps a unicorn, but I think it was-" Harry says.

"A stag," Remus finishes.

"Yes."

"Your father used to transform into one. That's how he was able to keep me company when I became sick. He was a great friend, James," Remus explains. Lupin smiles wanly, lifts his sorry suitcase. Then stops. "There are stories about him and your mother, you know." Some are even true. But I think it's safe to say, in the end, you'll know them best by getting to know yourself. Lupin then, with a wicked twinkle, raises his wand. "Mischief managed." Harry watches the Map go blank before leading Remus to Sirius.

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When they arrive, Remus hugs Sirius immediately as Harry pulls Isabella out of the room. "Look, Moony," Sirius says, holding up the papers. "I'm free. I'm really free."

Remus chuckles and rubs his back. "It's about time," Remus replies. "I've been staying in the large cottage by the lake. Do you remember that place?" Sirius nods after a moment. "How would you feel about going out there for a few weeks- just the two of us? It'll be peaceful, and you can rest and recover."

Sirius is quiet for a moment. "Perhaps that is best," Sirius says. "Remus, I- I know that I'm- I'm kind of messed up right now-"

"It'll be alright," Remus reassures. "Don't worry."

Sirius takes his head and squeezes Remus' hand. "I need you to be honest with me, Remus. I need you to tell me if my decisions or my actions are dangerous or completely out of character. I need you to- to take care of me and- and make sure I stay in line. If I need to get- get professional help-"

Remus nods and pulls Sirius into his chest. "It'll be alright, Sirius. I promise," Remus swears. "You're going to get the help you need and it's going to be alright. We'll get through this. You can always talk to me, or come to me if you need anything. We're soulmates, I'm here for you." Sirius smiles sadly and curls into his side, sobbing, as Remus holds him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As students load onto the train, Harry and Isabella stand in Gryffindor tower, saying their goodbyes. "I'll see you in a few months, alright?" Harry says. "And we can send letters whenever we want."

Isabella nods. "Maybe you can come over at some time," Isabella says. "Spend some time here over the summer."

"Students aren't allowed to spend the summer at Hogwarts," Harry reminds.

"Yeah, but a couple friends have come over at times," Isabella replies. "Maybe you can too."

"You just worry about helping Sirius," Harry says. "He's gonna need support and I might not be able to be there for him until school starts and even then-"

"Then we'll both be ready to support him no matter what happens," Isabella finishes. "Now, I'll see you when you get back, alright? It's only the summer." Harry nods and hugs Isabella once more before leaving.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Isabella reaches her rooms, she sees Remus watching Sirius take his potions. "What's going on?" Isabella asks as Remus' glare deepens.

"Someone is being difficult about drinking the potions that will help him get better," Remus replies. "Sirius, these will help you feel better."

Sirius sighs and nods. "I know, I'll just always be nervous about anything made by Severus Snape."

"So, what's the problem?" Isabella asks. "Those were potions that I made."

Sirius looks at Isabella, his eyes widening. "You made these, Bambi?" Sirius questions.

Isabella nods. "Of course. I've been working on stocking up on the potions that you'd need once you were in a more consistent location. See, I marked the corks." Isabella points out the markings and Sirius smiles, taking the rest of the potions without argument. "Uncle Padfoot, why do you keep calling me Bambi?"

"Because your father was prongs, it's only fitting you and Harry have nicknames after other deer," Sirius replies.

"But Bambi is a boy," Isabella argues.

Sirius shrugs and ruffles her hair. "But the name is cute enough to fit you."

Isabella smiles and shakes her head, rufflingSirius' hair back. "Come on, let's get you clean up."